Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display

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Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 25 September 2020 at 2:14 pm

Follow our step-by-step guide to planting up a pot with pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea.

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As autumn approaches, our gardens can lack colour, especially before the glorious displays of berries and leaf hue begin. The perfect solution to this lack of colour is to introduce a dramatic pot display that screams ‘look at me’. Pop it in a focal point that will draw your eye, and the muted colours of the rest of the garden will fade into insignificance.

This pot display comprises just four plants. Black, white and green, it makes a bold design statement for early autumn.

Central to the display is the beautiful hydrangea, which stands out against the black pot and the striking leaves of the ipomoea. White is the last colour your eyes see before the daylight disappears and dusk settles in, so make sure you can see the pot clearly from a window. The pennisetum and penstemon provide much needed height to the display, while the foxglove-like penstemon flowers will bloom until the first frosts.

This pot is perfect for a semi-shaded spot.

You Will Need

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Snowball’
Penstemon ‘Snowstorm’
Ipomoea ‘Solar Power Black’ (2)
Pennisetum ‘Fairy Tails’ (2)
Dark pot around 40cm across
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost

Step 1

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - adding compost

Fill the pot halfway with the compost. Break up any lumps with your hands as you go. Place the plants in the pot to see if you have the depth of compost correct, and adjust the amount if necessary.

Step 2

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - planting up the pot

Add one plant at a time, carefully removing them from their pots. If the plants are pot-bound, gently loosen the roots with your fingers.

Step 3

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - backfilling compost around the plants

Once all the plants are in place and you’re happy with the composition, fill any gaps with more compost. Firm it in place to remove any air gaps.

Step 4

Pennisetum, hydrangea and ipomoea pot display - finished pot display

Give the pot a thorough watering and continue to do so as the plants establish, then whenever the compost feels dry.

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